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Estimates and assumptions

The preparation of the financial statements requires the directors to apply accounting principles and methods that, in some circumstances, are based on difficulties and subjective valuations and estimates based on the historical experience and assumptions which are from time to time considered reasonable and realistic under the relative circumstances. The application of these estimates and assumptions impact upon the amounts reported in the financial statements, such as the balance sheet, the income statement and the cash flow statement, and on the disclosures in the notes to the accounts.

The accounting principles which relating to the Group, require greater subjectivity by the Directors in the preparation of the estimates and for which a change in the underlying conditions or the assumptions may have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements are briefly described below.

(a) Impairments

The tangible and intangible assets and investments in associated companies and property investments are verified to ascertain if there has been a loss in value which is recorded by means of a write-down, when it is considered there will be difficulties in the recovery of the relative net book value through use. The verification of the existence of the above-mentioned indicators requires the Directors to make valuations based on the information available within the Group and from the market, as well as historical experience. In addition, when it is determined that there may be a potential reduction in value, the Group determines this through using the most appropriate technical valuation methods available. The correct identification of the indicators of the existence of a potential reduction in value as well as the estimates for their determination depends on factors which may vary over time impacting upon the valuations and estimates made by the Directors.

(b) Amortization & Depreciation

Depreciation represents a significant cost for the Group. The cost of property, plant and equipment is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the relative assets and components. The useful life of the fixed assets of the Group is determined by the Directors when the fixed assets are purchased. This is based on the historical experiences for similar fixed assets, market conditions and considerations relating to future events which could have an impact on the useful life, such as changes in technology. Therefore, the effective useful life may be different from the estimated useful life. The Group periodically evaluates technological and sector changes to update the residual useful life. Any change in the residual useful life could result in a change in the depreciation period and therefore in the depreciation charge in future years.

(c) Provisions for risks and charges

The Group companies may be subject to legal disputes, in relation to taxation or employment issues, based on particularly complex circumstances of varying degrees of uncertainty, according to the facts and circumstances, jurisdiction and laws applicable to each case.

Considering the inexact nature of these issues, it is difficult to predict with certainty any future payments required.

Therefore, Management, having consulted with its legal and tax advisers, recognises a liability against these disputes when a financial payment is considered probable and the amount of the losses arising may be reasonably estimated. In the case in which a payment is considered possible, but is not yet determinable, such is reported in the explanatory notes.

Provisions are recorded against risks of a legal and tax nature and employee disputes. The amount of the provisions recorded in the financial statements relating to these risks therefore represents the best estimate at that date made by the Directors. This estimate results in the adoption of assumptions concerning factors which may change over time and which may, therefore, have significant effects compared to the present estimates made by the Directors for the preparation of the separate financial statements. In addition, the restoration and replacement provision of the assets under concession, recorded in accordance with IFRIC 12, includes the best estimate of the charges matured at the Statement of Financial Position date for scheduled maintenance in future years in order to ensure the functionality, operations and security of the assets under concession.

(d) Trade receivables

Where there are indications of a reduction in value of trade receivables these are reduced to their estimated realisable value through a doubtful debt provision. The doubtful debt provision represents the best estimate at the reporting date made by the Directors. This estimate is based on facts and expectations which may change over time and which may, therefore, have significant effects compared to the present estimates made by the Directives for the preparation of the Group consolidated financial statements.

(e) Financial assets

The valuation of the recoverability of the financial receivable from the Milan Airport Handling Trust arising from the assignment of the investment Airport Handling to the above-mentioned Trust and the subscription of equity financial instruments issued by Airport Handling subsequent to the assignment to the Trust is made on the basis of the best estimates of the outcome of the sales operations of the company by the Trust, with the valuation of the residual interest after the above-mentioned sale and is therefore subject to the normal uncertainties of negotiating processes in the disposal of financial investments, as well as the future profitability potential of the investment.